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U.S. Energy Secretary Bodman Completes Middle East Trip

November 20, 2005 - 2:51pm

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WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman concluded his four-nation swing through the Middle East this weekend, by attending the inauguration of the New Permanent Headquarter Office Building of the International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretariat and participating in a number of bilateral meetings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"This trip allowed me to meet face-to-face with leaders of energy-producing nations and discuss with them the energy goals and needs of the United States," Secretary Bodman said. "Especially in the aftermath of the hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico this year, we recognize how important it is to keep on open dialogue with oil-producing nations. We appreciate their support and look forward to working with them to ensure that oil production is able to keep the world's markets well supplied."

While attending the IEF, Secretary Bodman engaged in bilateral meetings with leaders and representatives of four nations, respectively. The secretary met with HRH King Abdullah ibn Abdualaziz Al-Sa'ud, of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Mani Shankar Aiyar, the Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; Mr. Zhang Guobao, Special Envoy for the Prime Minister of China; and Mr. Hiroyuki Hosada, Special Envoy for the Prime Minister of Japan.

During discussions with these leaders, Secretary Bodman thanked them for their country's assistance after the hurricanes hit the Gulf of Mexico and updated them on recovery efforts in the gulf region. In addition, Secretary Bodman encouraged oil-exporting nations to make maximum oil product available to the market.

Prior to arriving in Saudi Arabia, the secretary visited government officials, business leaders, and dignitaries in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar. The secretary and his delegation also spent time visiting with U.S. soldiers in Kuwait and Qatar.